Remembering Marie Betzold Riley

It is with deep regret that the university announces Marie Betzold Riley—an intelligent, compassionate and well-respected member of the University of Arkansas—passed away peacefully on May 5. 

Riley was a leader, advocate and friend to many on campus and in the Fayetteville community. For most of her 29-year career, she was the application support director for IT Services supporting a talented team of individuals that listened to the needs of clients and responded with excellent customer service. Her team supported up to 13 enterprise applications for campus, creating tech communities and maintaining an open-door policy. 

In her most recent role, Riley was the research technologies liaison for the associate CIO of research & academic technology, a new position she embraced. When she started in 1994, Riley was one of the few female leaders in IT, breaking barriers and advocating for people who needed equal opportunity.  

Outside of her career in IT, Riley enjoyed bicycling, European travels, costuming, gardening, creative projects and owning a vintage resale business. She was known for transforming her yard each year into an elaborate Halloween wonderland that was enjoyed by the whole community. Most recently, Riley appeared as Cat in the Hat at a university function and had her photo taken with Big Red.  

Riley is survived by her husband, Art Hobson; her son, Justin Riley; and her sisters, Arleen Webb and Debbie Knack. Riley's memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Moore's Chapel Funeral Home, located at 206 W. Center St. in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Peace at Home Family Shelter in Fayetteville.